Strawberry growers are anticipating a good harvest this year thanks to largely favorable weather conditions dating to the fall. David Handley, the vegetable and small-fruit specialist for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service, said the strawberry bloom has been terrific this spring, suggesting that a nice crop is in store. The Portland Press Herald reports that the crop is expected to be healthy despite several spring frosts as flower buds formed and recent heavy rains. But Handley said nice weather last fall when strawberries form most of their flower buds helped. Early warm weather this spring has put some plants ahead of the typical strawberry schedule, so some growers may be picking five to 10 days earlier than normal.